Cable rigging arrangement for hoist

ABSTRACT

An improved system for single or double rigging a load sustaining device, such as a cable hoist, to permit selective alteration of the load capacity thereof. A load sustaining element, such as a wire cable, is operatively connected with the operating mechanism of the hoist and passes through a hook and pulley structure to be engaged with a load. The cable end is provided with a collar structure which precludes separation of the cable from the hook and pulley structure when single cable rigging is desired. The hoist housing is provided with slotted recess structure which permits easy insertion of the collar structure into the housing when double cable rigging is desired.

United States Patent Ratcliff 451 Mar. 14, 1972 [54] CABLE RIGGING ARRANGEMENT FOR 3,240,526 3/1966 Schopfet HOIST Primary Examiner-Evon C. Blunk [72] inventor: Ralph A. Ratcllfl, 614 Mountain View Asst-slam E i h D. Cherry 8:88: 1 BOX Atlorney-Flehr, H0hbach,'lest, Albrittondt Herbert 221 Filed: Apr. 2, 1970 [571 ABSTRACT An improved system for single or double rigging a load [2 H 25309 sustaining device, such as a cable hoist, to permit selective alteration of the load capacity thereofl A load sustaining ele- [521 [1.8. CI ..254/167 m n h as a ir cable. is operalively nn c d ith he {511 Int. Cl ..m l/00 operating mechanism or the hoist and passes lhmhgh a hook 531 Fie|d r Search 294/73. 73 154M 56 157 and pulley structure to be engaged with a load. The cable end is provided with a collar structure which precludes separation [56] Rderem Cited of the cable from the hook and pulley structure when single cable rigging is desired. The hoist housing is provided with UNITED STATES PATENTS slotted recess structure which permits easy insertion of the collar structure into the housing when double cable rigging is 2,556,4 l 7 6/195 l Coffing "248/357 desired.

2,9l3,224 11/1959 Uhlig.... ...254/l67 2,353,479 7/1944 Lock ..254/l67 5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures CABLE RIGGING ARRANGEMENT FOR I'IOIST BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of load sustaining devices. More particularly, this invention relates to hoist type load sustaining devices which may be single or double rigged to selectively permit alteration of their load sustaining capacity. Still more particularly, this invention relates to the field of selective rigging arrangements for rapidly altering the single cable or double cable rigged configuration of a cable hoist.

2. Description of the Prior Art Selective rigging of a load sustaining device, such as a cable, chain or tape hoist, has been known generally in the art heretofore. One example of such hoist which may be single or double rigged is shown by way of example in Uhlig US. Pat. No. 2,9l3,224 dated Nov. 17, 1959. That patented construction is typical of prior known hoist rigging arrangements in which a separate hook member is commonly employed on the end of a load supporting cable tape, or chain for engagement with a portion of the hoist housing for double rigging. Other similar known arrangements utilize special removable pin and retaining cotter key constructions which must be connected with or disconnected from the hoist housing, frequently with some difficulty.

Additionally, double hook and removable pin arrangements exemplified by the Uhlig patent and other prior known constructions have disadvantages in that a cable used therein is not self-aligning when double rigged and may not rotate about its axis to prevent twisting therein during use. Additionally, double hook arrangements of the type shown in the Uhlig patent lack compactness and are unnecessarily expensive due to the need therein of a duplicate hook in conjunction therewith.

With the present arrangement, the need for a second hook or a difficult to remove connecting pin is obviated by means of the improved rigging structure of this invention. Selective single and double rigging of a hoist by a structure which permits selfalignment of a cable employed therein is effected in a compact hoist construction must less bulky than known heretofore and one which may be readily and rapidly altered to effect selective single or double rigging as desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an improved load sustaining device which may be selectively rigged to alter its load carrying capacity. More particularly, this invention relates to a hoist type load sustaining device in which the load sustaining element thereof may be selectively positioned in single or double rigged configuration. More particularly, this invention relates to a cable type hoist which includes an improved arrangement for permitting selective alteration of the rigging of the cable therein. Still more particularly, this invention relates to an improved cable hoist having a specially designed slotted recess in a bottom wall of the hoist housing adapted to readily receive therein a collar structure provided on an end of the cable when the hoist is double cable rigged, such collar structure being operatively engageable with and inseparable from a hook and pulley structure of the hoist when the hoist is single cable rigged.

With the present invention, the expense of double hook arrangements in selectively riggable hoists of the type exemplified by Uhlig US. Pat. No. 2,9I3,224, and the complexity and difficulty of selective rigging of a hoist when a separable retaining pin held in place by a cotter key is employed, like are obviated by means of a simple selective rigging structure cooperably provided on the cable end and in the hoist hous- From the foregoing, it should be understood that objects of this invention include the provision of an improved arrangement for selective rigging of a load sustaining device; the provision of in improved hoist of means for selectively engaging the end ofa load sustaining element with the hoist housing when the hoist is double cable rigged; the provision of an improved collar structure on a load sustaining element ofa hoist for selective engagement with a hoist housing when the hoist is double rigged; and the provision in an improved cable type hoist of recess structure which facilitates insertion and removal of a self-aligning cable end relative thereto in accordance with selective single or double rigging of the hoist cable.

These and other objects of this invention will become apparent from a study of the following description in which reference is directed to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view ofa hoist type load sustaining device illustrating the improved features of this invention showing the subject hoist in double rigged configuration.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view partly in section of the subject hoist taken in the plane ofline 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view corresponding generally to FIG. I showing the subject hoist in the single cable rigged configuration.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the hook and pulley structure of the hoist taken in the plane of line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view showing the components of collar structure secured to the cable end illustrating cooperable details thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As noted, this invention relates to a load sustaining device of the hoist type which may be single or double rigged to selectively alter the capacity of the device. In that regard, as is well known, when a single load sustaining element, such as a wire cable or chain, is used to support a load, the capacity of the device thru which such element passes may be increased by double rigging the device, that is by doubling back the cable or chain upon itself, interposing a pulley arrangement between the reaches of the cable or chain, and securing the free end of the cable to the housing of the device, In such double rigged arrangement, the hoist capacity is substantially doubled.

Heretofore, arrangements such as second hooks and separable pins with retaining keys have been used to effect such double rigging when desired. However, such arrangements, compared to the present invention, are unnecessarily expensive, complex and bulky. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to effect and permit selective single or double cable rigging of a hoist type device in a particularly compact and comparatively inexpensive and easy to use construction.

In that regard, specific reference is directed to a cable type hoist in which a wire cable is employed to support a load in the single or double rigged configuration. It should be understood, however, that use of the term cable is intended to mean a variety of load sustaining elements, including metal or nonmetal ropes and cable, flat metal or nonmetal tapes, and coil or roller type chains. Similarly, while this invention has particular utility in pawl and ratchet type hoists and friction brake hoists, utility thereof extends to other load sustaining devices as well, such as load binders and the like. Accordingly, the terms cable and hoist" employed herein should be interpreted in light of the scope of applicability of this invention to various types of load sustaining devices.

While not disclosed in detail herein, it should be understood that the subject hoist includes operating mechanism within the hoist housing by means of which the load sustaining cable is wound or unwound on a spool or drum to effect raising or lowering, or otherwise to apply tension to, a load supported on the cable. While no particular type of hoist has been specifically illustrated in detail herein, it should be understood that the hoist and its operating mechanism may take the form of that shown in applicant's copending application Ser. No. 25,190 filed Apr. 2, I970 entitled "Improved Cable Hoist. Other hoist and operating mechanisms known in the art also may be employed in conjunction with the novel housing recess structure and cable end collar structure described herein are utilized.

IIIIII'J' IIVN Reference is now directed to the attached drawings for an understanding of the construction and function of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

The load sustaining device with which this invention is illustrated comprises a wire cable hoist, generally designated 1, which includes a metal housing 2 cast or otherwise formed from a suitable metal, such as aluminum, magnesium or steel, or suitable alloys thereof. Housing 2, as seen in FIG. 2, is generally open and comprises a pair of opposed parallel side walls 3 and 4 which has a bottom wall 6 extending therebetween and interconnecting the same. The housing is completed by a top wall (not shown) having a hook projecting upwardly therefrom by means of which the hoist can be supported when located in an operative position.

Although not shown, it should be understood that positioned within the housing 2 is a pawl and ratchet or like operating mechanism by means of which a load supporting cable 7 may be wound or unwound relative to the housing. In that regard. with a cable type hoist of the type shown, the cable is normally secured to and rollable upon a spool or drum (not shown) operated in known fashion by the operating mechanism.

Cable 7 is a wire rope having a predetermined rated capaci' ty for supporting safely a predetermined load. In known fashion, when such a cable is in the single rigged condition shown in FIG. 3, the rating of the hoist is a predetermined amount, based largely upon the capacity of the cable as well as the strength of the other operative components of the hoist. However, when the cable is in the double rigged condition shown in FIG. I, the capacity of the hoist is substantially doubled in accordance with known principles.

In that regard, to permit the hoist to be double rigged as shown, the same is conventionally provided with structure which permits the cable to be positioned in the FIG. I arrangement in which the cable is defined by two parallel reaches 8 and 9 one of which is secured to the operating mechanism within the housing with the end of the other secured to the housing. In that regard, the cable passes thru a suitable guide opening I provided in the housing bottom wall. A block and tackle arrangement interposed between the cable reaches and travels therealong as the cable is wound or unwound. In the arrangement shown, the block and tackle arrangement is defined by a hook and pulley structure, generally designated [1, which comprises a mounting plate 12 having oppositely directed clevis portions I3 and I4 integrally connected therewith at opposite ends thereof as seen in FIG. 4. Each of such clevis portions is defined by a pair of parallel arms which provided mounting means for the operating components of the hook and pulley structure. In that regard, a conventional pulley wheel I6 is positioned between the arms of the upper clevis portion 13 and is pivotally secured therebetween by means of a pivot pin l7 held in place by a cotter key I8. Similarly, mounted between the spaced arms of the lower clevis portion I4 is a load supporting hook mounted on a pivot pin 19 passing thru the arms of the lower clevis and held in place by a cotter key 21.

With the arrangement shown, it will be noted that in both the single or double rigged condition the load hook 20 is to be secured to the load to be supported by the hoist and that a separate and second load hook of the type commonly utilized in prior devices, such as exemplified in Uhlig US. Pat. No. 2,913,224, is completely eliminated.

To permit selective single and double rigging as illustrated in FIGS. I and 3, means is provided in conjunction with the hoist housing 2 and the free end 26 of the cable 7. In that regard, such means provided on the cable end comprises an improved collar structure secured to the cable end which is selectively engageable with the hoist housing in the manner to be described. In the embodiment illustrated, a compact and inexpensive collar structure, generally designated 25, is utilizcd which is defined by a retaining member 27 swaged or otherwise suitably secured to and irremovably connected with the cable end 26. Such retaining member preferably includes a generally semispherical end portion 28 provided to facilitate self-alignment of the cable when the same is in use in the single or double rigged condition.

Retaining member 27 also includes a generally cylindrical extension 29 which serves as a guide portion for a cooperable member preferably employed with the retaining member to enhance the self-aligning features of the cable collar structure and to permit rotation of the cable about its axis to prevent twisting thereof when in use. Such cooperable member in the embodiment illustrated comprises a collar ring 3| having a generally semispherical seat 32 formed in one surface thereof which is formed with a contour and size matingly compatible with the surface of the semispherical portion 28 of the retain ing member 27. In communication with the seat 32 is a generally cylindrical recess 33 extending thru ring 31 which is of a size and configuration sufficient to accommodate therethrough extension 29 of the retaining member. As noted from FIG. 5, the collar ring is slidable upon the cable 7 but preferably the dimensions of the contacting surfaces of the retaining member and the collar ring are such that when the two are in contact with each other their fit is snug enough to retain them in contact without restricting relative rotation or other movement therebetween.

It will be noted from FIGS. I and 3 that the cable passes through the hook and pulley structure 11 between the spaced arms of the upper clevis portion I3 thereof. The cable nor mally rides upon and passes over the pulley in the double rigged condition so that the hook and pulley structure may be elevated or lowered relative to the housing in known fashion upon operation of the operating mechanism of the hoist. However, the collar structure described is formed so that the same cannot pass between the legs of the clevis portion I3 of the hook and pulley structure so that the cable, when single rigged, will remain in operative engagement with the hook and pulley structure. Thus a load may be engaged with and supported by hook I8 for selective raising and lowering relative to the hoist housing.

The means incorporated in this invention which facilitate selective single and double rigging of the hoist further includes recess structure formed in housing 2 for selectively receiving therein the aforementioned collar structure 25 when double rigging is desired. Such recess structure comprises a slotted recess, generally designated 36 which extends laterally through side wall 3 of the housing into and at least partially through the housing bottom wall 6, In that latter regard, the inner margin 37 (FIG. 2) of recess 36 terminates generally centrally of the housing bottom wall so that the cable end 26 may be properly aligned therein when load is applied thereto.

Comparing the dotted line and solid line showings of FIG. 2 it will be understood that the collar structure with the cable end 26 attached thereto is selectively insertable and remova hle from the housing by moving the same laterally relative to the slot recess. To facilitate such insertion and removal, the bottom wall of the housing is provided with an inclined guide surface 37 on each of the opposite sides of the slot recess. Such guide surface tapers downwardly and inwardly from the open outer end 38 of slot recess formed in the side wall 3. In that regard, it will be noted that the open end 38 of the housing slot, as seen in FIG. 3, is contoured and dimensioned to accept therethrough the collar structure without interference.

The inclined guide surface 37 cooperates with the remainder of the housing bottom wall in defining a depression 39 within the housing in which the collar structure seats when properly positioned therein. In that regard, such depression in cludes a generally flat inner surface 4I defined by the housing bottom wall which is compatible with and engageable by a correspondingly fiat bottom surface 42 on the ring collar 31 of the collar structure. Thus, the ring collar and inner surface of the housing wall are in direct surface-to-surface contacting relationship when the hoist is double rigged as seen in FIG. 2.

The inclined guide surface 37 insures proper seating engagement of the collar structure with the inner surface of the housing bottom wall and additionally facilitates removal of the collar structure therefrom when the hoist is to be changed from the double rigged to the single rigged condition.

lfllll27 (N00 Having thus made a full disclosure of the preferred embodiment of this invention, reference is directed to the appended claims for the scope of protection to be afforded thereto.

I claim:

I. In a cable hoist or like load sustaining device, an improved arrangement for simplifying selective single and double cable rigging thereof without requiring disassembly or removal of components of the hoist to effect such selective cable rigging, comprising A. a hoist housing having 1. opposed side walls and 2. a bottom wall extending between and interconnecting said side walls,

B. a cable operatively connected with the operating mechanism of said hoist within said housing and extending through an opening in said housing bottom wall for operative engagement with a load to be sustained by said hoist,

C. hook and pulley structure through which said cable passes, comprising l a mounting plate,

2. a pulley wheel over which said cable passes rotatably supported by said mounting plate, and

3. a load engaging hook secured to said mounting plate,

and D. means facilitating selective single and double rigging of said cable relative to said hoist housing to permit selective alteration of the load capacity of said hoist without disas' sembly or removal of components thereof which obviates the need for a second hook on said cable end, comprising 1. collar structure on the end of said cable ofa size which is incapable of passing through said hook and pulley structure to preclude its separation from said hook and pulley structure when said hoist is single cable rigged, comprising a. a retaining member swaged on said cable end, and b. a collar ring surrounding said retaining member and being rotatable relative thereto, 2. recess structure in said hoist housing for receiving said collar structure and said cable end therein when said hoist is double cable rigged. comprising a. a slot extending laterally through one of said hoist housing side walls into and at least partially through said housing bottom wall,

b. said slot permitting lateral insertion of said collar structure and said cable end therewith into said hoist housing for engagement with the inner surface of said bottom wall,

3. said collar ring permitting relative twisting movement between said cable and said hook and pulley structure when said hoist is single rigged and between said cable and said hoist housing when said hoist is double rigged.

2. The device ofclaim l in which said means facilitating single and double rigging further includes an inclined guide surface in said housing which slopes inwardly and downwardly from said open end of said slot in said one housing wall toward said housing bottom wall,

a. said inclined surface facilitating proper positioning of said collar structure in said housing and defining a depression which precludes inadvertent removal thereof from said housing.

3. The hoist of claim I in which said recess structure further includes c. an inclined guide surface internally of said housing extending downwardly from the open end of said slot at said one side wall toward an inner surface of said bottom wall which defines a depression within said housing in which said collar structure is seated when inserted into said housing. 4. The hoist of claim 3 in which said depression within said housing wall is defined by a generally flat surface and in which said collar ring has a generally flat contacting surface compatible therewith.

5. The hoist of claim 1 in which said retaining member and said collar ring are formed with semispherical contacting surfaces which facilitate relative rotation and self-alignment therebetwcen. 

1. In a cable hoist or like load sustaining device, an improved arrangement for simplifying selective single and double cable rigging thereof without requiring disassembly or removal of components of the hoist to effect such selective cable rigging, comprising A. a hoist housing having
 1. opposed side walls and
 2. a bottom wall extending between and interconnecting said side walls, B. a cable operatively connected with the operating mechanism of said hoist within said housing and extending through an opening in said housing bottom wall for operative engagement with a load to be sustained by said hoist, C. hook and pulley structure through which said cable passes, comprising
 1. a mounting plate,
 2. a pulley wheel over which said cable passes rotatably supported by said mounting plate, and
 3. a load engaging hook secured to said mounting plate, and D. means facilitating selective single and double rigging of said cable relative to said hoist housing to permit selective alteration of the load capacity of said hoist without disassembly or removal of components thereof which obviates the need for a second hook on said cable end, comprising
 1. collar structure on the end of said cable of a size which is incapable of passing through said hook and pulley structure to preclude its separation from said hook and pulley structure when said hoist is single cable rigged, comprising a. a retaining member swaged on said cable end, and b. a collar ring surrounding said retaining member and being rotatable relative thereto,
 2. recess structure in said hoist housing for receiving said collar structure and said cable end therein when said hoist is double cable rigged, comprising a. a slot extending laterally through one of said hoist housing side walls into and at least partially through said housing bottom wall, b. said slot permitting lateral insertion of said collar structure and said cable end therewith into said hoist housing for engagement with the inner surface of said bottom wall,
 3. said collar ring permitting relative twisting movement between said cable and said hook and pulley structure when said hoist is single rigged and between said cable and said hoist housing when said hoist is double rigged.
 2. a bottom wall extending between and interconnecting said side walls, B. a cable operatively connected with the operating mechanism of said hoist within said housing and extending through an opening in said housing bottom wall for operative engagement with a load to be sustained by said hoist, C. hook and pulley structure through which said cable passes, comprising
 2. a pulley wheel over which said cable passes rotatably supported by said mounting plate, and
 2. The device of claim 1 in which said means facilitating single and double rigging further includes an inclined guide surface in said housing which slopes inwardly and downwardly from said open end of said slot in said one housing wall toward said housing bottom wall, a. said inclined surface facilitating proper positioning of said collar structure in said housing and defining a depression which precludes inadvertent removal thereof from said housing.
 2. recess structure in said hoist housing for receiving said collar structure and said cable end therein when said hoist is double cable rigged, comprising a. a slot extending laterally through one of said hoist housing side walls into and at least partially through said housing bottom wall, b. said slot permitting lateral insertion of said collar structure and said cable end therewith into said hoist housing for engagement with the inner surface of said bottom wall,
 3. said collar ring permitting relative twisting movement between said cable and said hook and pulley structure when said hoist is single rigged and between said cable and said hoist housing when said hoist is double rigged.
 3. The hoist of claim 1 in which said recess structure further includes c. an inclined guide surface internally of said housing extending downwardly from the open end of said slot at said one side wall toward an inner surface of said bottom wall which defines a depression within said housing in which said collar structure is seated when inserted into said housing.
 3. a load engaging hook secured to said mounting plate, and D. means facilitating selective single and double rigging of said cable relative to said hoist housing to permit selective alteration of the load capacity of said hoist without disassembly or removal of components thereof which obviates the need for a second hook on said cable end, comprising
 4. The hoist of claim 3 in which said depression within said housing wall is defined by a generally flat surface and in which said collar ring has a generally flat contacting surface compatible therewith.
 5. The hoist of claim 1 in which said retaining member and said collar ring are formed with semispherical contacting surfaces which facilitate relative rotation and self-alignment therebetween. 